Nepal has proposed talks with Malaysia to address concerns over the recruitment of Nepali workers, including procedures under Malaysia’s Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS).
The Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment has formally sent the proposal through Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting a meeting of the Nepal-Malaysia Joint Working Group in Kathmandu.
Nepal has suggested November 18–19 or December 2–3, 2026, for the meeting. The final dates will depend on Malaysia’s availability.
Kathmandu has also called for existing recruitment procedures to remain in place until both governments agree on a new arrangement. The request is intended to maintain continuity and predictability for Nepali workers seeking employment in Malaysia.
The proposed talks are expected to focus on making worker selection and recruitment more transparent, organised and fair. Both countries are also expected to work towards finalising a draft to renew the labour memorandum of understanding signed in 2018.
Nepal wants to discuss how workers are selected and processed under the FWCMS and how changes to the recruitment system should be managed by both governments. The proposal does not detail specific individual complaints but identifies recruitment procedures as an issue requiring bilateral discussion.
Nepal has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the interests of its workers, promoting safe and dignified overseas employment, and strengthening long-term labour cooperation with Malaysia.